Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”
That’s a solar co-op!
With the cost of energy constantly increasing, it is getting harder and harder for Tucson residents to keep their homes comfortable in the summer or even at a temperature that is not life-threateningly hot. But imagine finding the right solar company to help you keep your home at a reasonable temperature throughout the year while also providing that energy at a reasonable cost. Does it sound too good to be true? You might be quick to say yes until you learn more about a solar co-op.
Solar United Neighbors Provides Non-Biased Information On Solar Companies And Services
As a non-profit, Solar United Neighbors is here to help consumers like you find the energy solutions you need that are affordable and safe for the environment. Our team is not here to sell you on anything but the benefits of solar energy. In addition, we are ready to use our expertise and experience to answer your questions or even assist you by offering insight into evaluating your options for solar power. And we are genuinely excited to introduce consumers to the concept of a solar co-op. This is an option that makes solar power viable for everyone who wants to get in control of where their power is created and how much it will cost today, tomorrow, and in the future. In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:
Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs.
A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar.
A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs, puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people, and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.
Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits, or view our FAQs.
How does a co-op work?
Can’t make it to our Solar 101?
Watch the recorded session below for general information on solar, how our co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.
How much does solar cost? How much can you save?
Tucson Solar Co-op issues RFP, announces info session
Thursday, April 11, 2024
The 37-member (and growing) Tucson Solar Co-op today issued a request for proposals (RFP) from area solar installers. The group members created the co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters.
There will be a Solar 101 at Barrio Brewing Co on Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. MST to educate the community about solar and the co-op process. To learn more about the event, click here. Tucson residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up on the co-op web page.
Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP and respond here.
The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Co-op members will select a single company to complete all the installations. They will then have the option to purchase panels individually based on the installer’s group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members can save on the cost of going solar, as well as have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.
Join us in person at Barrio Brewing Co. in Tucson!
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, ...
Co-op seeks installer
The co-op now seeks an installer to serve the group. Installers interested to bid can click to download the
RFP and response template.
FAQ: Income-based assistance for 2024 Tucson Solar Co-op
What is the purpose of this project?
With the support of a local donor, we are able to provide financial assistance to a limited number of income-qualified homeowners to go solar in the 2024 Tucson Solar Co-op.
Who is eligible to participate?
Eligible homeowners must meet the following criteria:
Tucson metro-area resident
Household income at or below 130% Area Median Income (see table below)
Home located in disadvantaged map area (defined below)
Own and occupy the home as a primary residence
Roof of the home is ready for solar and does not require a new roof
How can I sign up?
Interested households can sign up by clicking the orange “Join the Co-op” button at the top of this page. When signing up, select YES when asked if you qualify for income-eligible assistance. After signing up for the co-op, we will send you a short application to complete.
How are participants selected?
Applicants will be selected based on criteria from the White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, which uses eight different metrics to identify census tracts that are “overburdened.” Applicants from census tracts who meet the highest number of criteria according to the screening tool will be selected. Should applicants’ scores tie, selection will be made in the order in which applications are received. Applications will be accepted from March 4 (launch of the co-op) until May 4. Selected participants will be notified no later than May 17.
For example, a household in a census tract identified as ‘overburdened’ with 4 out of the 8 criteria met will be prioritized over that of an applicant from a census tract where 1 of the 8 criteria are met. If several households meet the same number of criteria, participants will be selected in the order they are received.
How much assistance is available?
We have funding available to offer a stipend of $7,000 per household for up to 5 households. Systems smaller than 5kW will receive a $5,000 stipend.
How much will I need to pay?
Participants will be responsible for paying the difference between the stipend received and the balance owed to the solar installer.
For example, a solar array may cost $15,000. The participant would owe $15,000 minus the $7,000 stipend, or $8,000 toward the installation. The total cost will vary depending on many factors, including energy usage, available roof space and the budget of the participant. The cost will be presented to the participant in a proposal from the co-op’s selected solar installer. As a reminder, you are not obligated to accept the proposal and move forward with a solar purchase.
Participants may also be able to take advantage of federal and state solar tax credits to further lower their out-of-pocket costs.
Participants should be aware that the benefit of the tax credits may not be realized until filing the following year’s tax return. Solar United Neighbors is not a tax advisor and strongly encourages participants to seek advice from a tax professional.
Is financing available?
Solar United Neighbors will attempt to connect homeowners with appropriate financing options to cover the amount owed by participants. While SUN will share financing options, the decision on financing is up to the homeowners.
How is the solar installer selected?
The solar installer will be selected by volunteer co-op members in an open and competitive bidding process facilitated by Solar United Neighbors. The solar installer selected to work the full co-op will also work with participants receiving support in this program.
We are accepting applications for households at or below 130% Area Median Income, as listed below. Adapted from 2023 HUD income limits for the Tucson Metro Area.
Household Size and Income Limit
1 — $73,125
2 — $84,500
3 — $95,063
4 — $105,544
5 — $113,994
6 — $122,444
7 — $130,894
8 — $139,344
Co-op organizer
Adrian Keller
Arizona Program Director
Solar United Neighbors of Arizona
As the Arizona Program Director, Adrian leads efforts to expand rooftop solar in the state through solar co-ops, community education, and policy campaigns. He is deeply passionate about solar energy and its ability to lower costs and improve quality of life for Arizona families.
He comes to Solar United Neighbors with a background in public policy and municipal government. Adrian lives in Phoenix and holds a Master of Sustainability Solutions from Arizona State University.
